Bag with interchangeable ornamentation

ABSTRACT

The present invention is an improved handbag system that incorporates certain features to allow for greater versatility, attractiveness, and finishing so that a single bag can serve a multitude of purposes and provide for greater expression of individuality and personal identification. The system allows for extended utilization of existing ornaments, such as pendants and brooches, as decorative ornaments on a handbag. Specifically, the system comprises a handbag that has a front surface with at least two slots fixed to the front surface; a replaceable rod with distal and proximal ends that is able to pass through the slots on the front surface; at least two replaceable finials, wherein the first finial attaches to the proximal end of the rod, and the second finial attaches to the distal end of the rod; a means of attaching an ornament to the rod; and at least one replaceable ornament. Kits and a method of using the system are also provided.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This Application is based on Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/984,055, BAG WITH INTERCHANGEABLE ORNAMENTATION, filed Oct. 31, 2007.

FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to an improved handbag system. Specifically, the invention provides for interchangeable ornamentation of the exterior of a bag such that a single bag may meet multiple needs and fashion desires of the user.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

There is a strong demand for attractive handbags that serve a variety of functions and can be personalized by an individual. Many people spend an extraordinary amount of time searching for a particular bag for a certain outfit, a special occasion, a particular function, or even to express their individuality. It is expensive to purchase and maintain a multitude of handbags of varying fashions, colors, and materials. Thus, there is a need for handbags with interchangeable parts so that one bag can meet multiple needs and functions.

Foreign patents Cassgrain 2,629,794 (Fr), Litewsky 223,823 (UK), Stuben 307,269 (UK); United States patents Anish U.S. Pat. No. 1,990,360, Topal U.S. Pat. No. 1,747,801, Landis U.S. Pat. No. 2,006,463, Kraut U.S. Pat. No. 2,080,453, Potash U.S. Pat. No. 2,093,097, Kase U.S. Pat. No. 2,723,696, Resnick U.S. Pat. No. 2,784,756, Ryon U.S. Pat. No. 2,798,524, Keebler U.S. Pat. No. 4,027,710, Jantzen U.S. Pat. No. 5,009,319, Byers U.S. Pat. No. 5,503,204, Carey U.S. Pat. No. 5,533,558, Baquero U.S. Pat. No. 6,029,723, Sands U.S. Pat. No. 6,382,280, Pace U.S. Pat. No. 7,028,730, and Andrews U.S. Pat. No. 7,246,643; and United States patent applications Monassebian U.S. Pat. Appl. No. 2033/0177664, Pace U.S. Pat. Appl. No. 2007/0163689, and Morgan U.S. Pat. Appl. No. 2007/0209742 demonstrate variable handbag and flap designs in the art. In general, each discloses a handbag in which the coverings, cover flaps, and/or handles are in some way replaceable with another covering, flap, and/or handle of different size, shape, color, or material. But, none of these provide for or contemplate replaceable ornamentation on an exterior surface or cover flap.

Davis U.S. Pat. No. 5,881,787 provides a variable handbag with an exterior interchangeable ornamental clasp that attaches to the purse cover flap magnetically. But, only the outer portion of the clasp is changeable, and the ornamental portion of the clasp is not replaceable with an existing pendant or other ornament of the user.

Blackwelder U.S. Pat. No. 5,803,266 provides an accessories kit for interchangeable ornaments on a purse. The ornaments are various trimming-type ornaments of bows, buttons, flowers, colored fabrics, and the like. The ornaments are not contemplated to be comprised of relatively rigid substances such as ornaments of stone, metal, wood, plastic, glass, crystal, or the like. Further, the ornaments of Blackwelder are affixed using the VELCRO® hook and loop system and an adhesive, which limits the types of surfaces to which the accessories can be affixed without causing damage.

It is desirable to have a handbag or purse system with ornamental components which may be easily and quickly interchangeable to allow for greater individual expression. Such a system would allow users to reduce the number of bags needed to meet their desired needs for matching certain outfits, occasions, or functions. Further, such a system would allow the user to extend the use of favorite pendants and brooches beyond their original function as pieces of jewelry.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention provides a handbag system that allows a single bag to meet the multiple functional needs of a user, as well as, provide the opportunity for greater personalization of a bag by a user. Further, the handbag system allows for extended utilization of existing ornaments, such as pendants and brooches, by allowing them to be used as decorative ornaments on a handbag.

Specifically, the invention provides a handbag system that comprises (a) a handbag that has a front surface with at least two slots fixed to the front surface of the bag; (b) a replaceable rod with distal and proximal ends and that is able to pass through the slots on the front surface; (c) at least two replaceable finials, wherein the first finial attaches to the proximal end of the rod, and the second finial attaches to the distal end of the rod; (d) a means of attaching (attachment) an ornament to the rod; and (e) at least one replaceable ornament. This system allows the user to easily alter the exterior appearance of the bag. For example, the initial rod, finials, means of attachment, and ornament chosen by a user may all be silver colored. Subsequently, the user may switch out any or all of the pieces for gold colored versions of the same parts to achieve a second look for the same bag.

The front surface of the handbag may be a front panel or front side of the bag. Alternatively, the front surface may be a flap that at least partially covers a front panel or front side of the handbag. For example, in FIG. 1 the front surface is a front panel of the bag and in FIGS. 2-4, the front surface is a flap. The flap may partially or wholly cover a front panel or front side of the bag.

The slots that are fixed to the front surface may be in a variety of forms. For example, a slot may be a slit that is cut into the front surface or a loop of a separate material that is fixed to the front surface at least at one point. See FIG. 5. Preferably, the slots are located on the front surface such that the ornament does not hang substantially below the bottom of the bag. A slot may be made from a variety of materials including fabric, leather, plastic, metal, wood, stone, including artificial stone, or any combination thereof that may be fixed to the front surface. For example, a preferred slot may be formed primarily from leather and have one or more plastic or metal grommets attached to it to allow the rod to more easily pass through the slot, reduce wear, and achieve a desired appearance.

Slots may be of variable width or diameter. Some exemplary slot widths are shown in FIGS. 1-4. Slot widths may vary from about 0.0031 inches (40 gauge wire American Wire Gauge (AWG)) to about 6 inches (in), preferably slot diameters are about 0.0508 in (16 gauge AWG), 0.1285 in (8 gauge AWG), 0.2043 in (4 gauge AWG), 0.2576 in (2 gauge AWG), 0.5 in, 1.0 in, 1.5 in, 2.0 in, 2.5 in, 3.0 in, 3.5 in, 4.0 in, 4.5 in, 5.0 in, or about 5.5 in, more preferably slot widths are about 2 in or about 5 in. Slot diameter is preferably large enough that a rod may pass through the slot without causing damage to the slot. In some configurations, the slot diameter is sufficiently narrow that it substantially hinders the rod from freely sliding within the slot. Alternatively, the diameter of the rod may be increased through the attachment of an enhancer to the rod either before or after the rod has been inserted through the slot to effectively hinder the rod from freely sliding within the slot.

The replaceable rod may be straight, bent, or curved and made from a variety of materials including fabric, leather, plastic, metal, wood, stone, including artificial stone, or any combination thereof. Rods may be hollow or solid. It is preferred that the rod be made of sufficiently rigid material that it retains its shape under normal wear and use of the bag. Exemplary preferred rods are male threaded on both proximal and distal ends. Other exemplary rods have located at both proximal and distal ends a peg, a hole for a peg, cam, clip, tapering, or other means of allowing the finials to be attached. Those of skill in the art will recognize that a variety of means of attaching the finials to the rod are available and included within the spirit of the invention.

Both the diameter and overall length of the rod may vary considerably. In general, the length of the rod is not expected to exceed the width of the bag. Preferred rod lengths include lengths of about 1.5, 2.0, 2.5, 3.0, 3.5, 4.0, 4.5, 5.0, 5.5, 6.0, 6.5, 7.0, 7.5, 8.0, 8.5, 9.0, 10.0, 10.5, 11.0, 11.5, 12.0, 12.5, 13.0, 13.5, and about 14.0 inches. More preferably rod lengths are from about 6.0 inches to 12.0 inches in length. Preferred rod diameters range from about 0.0508 inches to about 1.0 inches. Rod diameters are more preferably about 0.125, 0.204, 0.250, 0.375, 0.50, or 0.75 inches.

Finials may be of a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors. They may be made of a variety of materials including fabric, leather, plastic, metal, wood, stone, including artificial stone, or any combination thereof. It is preferred that the finials are female threaded to accommodate male threaded rod ends. Other finials include a peg, a hole for a peg, cam, clip, tapering, or other means to secure the rod ends until the user desires to remove the finials.

In certain handbag systems, the means of attaching the ornament is substantially movable horizontally along the rod between the slots such that the means of attachment is able to slide relatively freely along the rod between the slots. In such systems, the preferred means of attaching, or means of attachment, is a jewelry bail of the type commonly used to attach a pendant to a necklace. Other suitable means of attachment include rings, bolt rings, clasps, box clasps, spring ring clasps, slides, toggle locks, hasp systems, and the like. In other handbag systems, the means of attaching an ornament is substantially fixed between the slots such that the means of attachment, and thereby the ornament, is substantially hindered from sliding freely along the rod between slots. The means of attachment may itself be substantially fixed to the rod; or alternatively, the means of attachment may be substantially fixed through the use of a fastening component such as an O ring, clip, clasp, combinations thereof, or other suitable fastener available in the art. One or more enhancers and/or fastening components may be used to substantially fix the means of attachment, and thereby the ornament, in place.

The invention also provides that the handbag system may be provided to the user in the form of one or more kits. For example, a user may obtain a kit that includes a handbag, having a front surface with at least two slots fixed to the front surface; at least one rod, having distal and proximal ends, and capable of passing through the slots; a means of attaching an ornament to the rod; and at least two finials, each of which is capable of attaching to an end of the rod such that the rod remains inserted between the slots. Optionally, the kit may include one or more replaceable ornaments, enhancers, and/or fastening components. Replacement kits are also provided by the invention. Such kits are similar to the aforedescribed kit; however, the handbag is not necessarily included in the kit. Thus, the user does not need to obtain a second bag or purse to obtain additional rods, finials, and other components of the system.

Finally, the invention provides a method of using a handbag system. The method comprises inserting a replaceable rod, having distal and proximal ends, through one or more slots fixed to a front surface of a handbag; attaching at least one ornament to the rod such that the ornament is between two or more slots; and attaching a first replaceable finial to the proximal end of the rod and a second replaceable finial to the distal end of the rod such that the rod remains inserted between the slots. Optionally, the method may provide one or more means of substantially fixing the horizontal position of the rod between the slots and/or the horizontal position(s) of the ornament and its means of attachment relative to the rod. For example, an enhancer may be used to substantially hinder a rod from freely sliding in a slot, or one or more fastening components may be used to substantially hinder a means of attaching an ornament from sliding freely along a rod.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The following drawings form part of the present specification and are included to further demonstrate certain aspects of the present invention. The invention may be better understood by reference to one or more of these drawings in combination with the detailed description of specific embodiments presented herein.

FIG. 1 is a front view of an exemplary over-the-shoulder style handbag in which the front surface is a front panel or front side.

FIG. 2 is a front view of an alternative embodiment in which the front surface comprises a front flap.

FIG. 3 is a front view of a clutch style bag in which the slots have relatively wide diameters.

FIG. 4 is a front view of a second clutch style bag in which the slots have relatively narrow diameters.

FIG. 5 demonstrates alternative slot structures. A slot can be a slit cut into the front surface of the handbag (FIG. 5A). A slot can be formed from a separate piece that is fixed to the front surface of a bag at either a single point of attachment (FIG. 5B) or at more than one point of attachment (FIG. 5C).

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention is an improved handbag system that incorporates certain features to allow for greater versatility, attractiveness, and finishing so that a single bag can serve a multitude of purposes and provide for greater expression of individuality and personal identification.

Specifically, the handbag system comprises a handbag 1 that has a front surface 2 with at least two slots 3 fixed to the front surface 2; a replaceable rod 4 with distal and proximal ends that is able to pass through the slots 3 on the front surface 2; at least two replaceable finials 5, wherein the first finial 5 attaches to the proximal end of the rod 4, and the second finial 5 attaches to the distal end of the rod 4; a means of attaching (attachment) 6 an ornament 7 to the rod 4; and at least one replaceable ornament 7.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that variations from the specific embodiments disclosed above are contemplated by the invention. The invention should not be restricted to the above embodiments, but should be measured by the following claims.

DEFINITIONS

Unless defined otherwise, all technical terms used herein have the same meaning as is commonly understood by one of skill in the art to which this invention belongs at the time of filing. All patents and publications referred to herein are incorporated by reference.

A “bail” is the attachment at the top of a pendant that enables it to hang from the chain.

A “bolt ring” is a circular catch used for the fastening of necklaces or bracelet chains. Other types of fasters include a “box clasp” or “tongue and groove clasp”, a clasp, or connector, that incorporates a box with a notch on one end and a metal spring that slips into the box and locks. Clasps may be simple or ornate.

Herein, an “enhancer” is a means of increasing the diameter of a rod such that the rod fits more snugly in a slot and is restrained from sliding freely within the slot or the means of attaching an ornament to the rod is restrained from sliding freely along the rod. An enhancer may be comprised of wood, metal, plastic, stone, crystal, glass, or a combination thereof. An enhancer also may serve a decorative purpose. Enhancers may be used singly or in multiples.

A “fastening component” is an O ring, clip, clasp, combination thereof, or other suitable fastener available in the art. Herein, a fastening component serves to substantially fix the means of attaching an ornament to the rod such that the means of attachment is inhibiting from sliding freely along the rod.

A “handbag” is a comprehensive term that includes purses, pocketbooks, clutches, and other bags commonly used as clothing accessories to carry a variety of items. “Handbag” is also inclusive of backpacks, fanny packs, briefcases, attachés, computer cases, messenger bags, portfolios, tote bags, wallets, and the like.

Herein, an “ornament” is preferably a piece of jewelry in the form of a pendant or brooch. It may also be a fob, charm, trinket, locket, or the like. Herein, an ornament also includes a tag or card that is used for identification, marketing, or security purposes. An ornament may be substantially planar, spherical, or other 3-dimensional object of either irregular or polygonal shape. Preferred ornaments are about 0.5, 1.0 1.5, 2.0, 2.5, 3.0 or 3.5 inches in diameter and height, more preferably ornaments are about 2.0 inches in diameter and height. 

1. A handbag system comprising a) a handbag having a front surface with at least two slots fixed to the front surface; b) a replaceable rod, having distal and proximal ends, able to pass through the slots; c) at least two replaceable finials, wherein a first finial attaches to the proximal end of the rod, and a second finial attaches to the distal end of the rod; d) a means of attaching an ornament to the rod; and e) at least one replaceable ornament.
 2. The handbag system of claim 1, wherein the front surface is a front panel of the handbag.
 3. The handbag system of claim 1, wherein the front surface is a flap that at least partially covers a front panel of the handbag.
 4. The handbag system of claim 1, wherein the means of attaching the ornament is substantially movable horizontally along the rod between the slots.
 5. The handbag system of claim 1, wherein the means of attaching the ornament is substantially fixed between the slots.
 6. The handbag system of claim 1, further comprising at least one enhancer.
 7. The handbag system of claim 1, further comprising at least one fastening component.
 8. A kit comprising a) at least one replaceable rod, having distal and proximal ends, capable of passing through slots on a front surface of a handbag; b) at least two replaceable finials, wherein a first finial is capable of attaching to the proximal end of the rod and a second finial is capable of attaching to the distal end of the rod; and c) at least one means of attaching an ornament to the rod.
 9. The kit of claim 8 further comprising a handbag having a front surface with at least two slots fixed to the front surface of the handbag.
 10. The kit of claim 8, further comprising at least one ornament.
 11. The kit of claim 8, further comprising at least one enhancer.
 12. The kit of claim 8, further comprising at least one fastening component.
 13. A method of using a handbag system comprising a) inserting a replaceable rod, having distal and proximal ends, through one or more slots fixed to a front surface of a handbag; b) attaching at least one ornament to the rod such that the ornament is between two or more slots; and c) attaching a first replaceable finial to the proximal end of the rod and a second replaceable finial to the distal end of the rod such that the rod remains inserted between the slots.
 14. The method of claim 13 further comprising using an enhancer to substantially fix the rod horizontally between slots.
 15. The method of claim 13 further comprising using one or more fastening components to substantially fix the means of attaching an ornament in a horizontal position relative to the rod. 